Achilleus Kewanuka

Achilleus Kiwanuka, also known as Achileo Kiwanuka or Achilles Kiwanuka (1869 – June 3, 1886), was a Ugandan Catholic martyr revered as a saint in the Catholic Church.


Achilleus Kiwanuka
Achilleus Kiwanuka and his companions
Martyr
Born1869
Buganda, Uganda
DiedJune 3, 1886(1886-06-03) (aged 16–17)
Namugongo, Uganda
Venerated inCatholic Church
Beatified1920 by Pope Benedict XV
CanonizedOctober 18, 1964 by Pope Paul VI
Major shrineBasilica Church of the Uganda Martyrs, Namugongo
FeastJune 3
PatronageClerks, the press, journalists and writers

Life

He was born in Ssingo County and was a member of the Muganda tribe. He served as a page of audience hall in the court of King Mwanga II of Buganda, and converted to the Christian faith under the missionary group known as the White Fathers.[1]

Kiwanuka was burned alive for his faith on June 3, 1886;[2] he and his companions became known as the Martyrs of Uganda. They were canonized as saints in 1964 by Pope Paul VI. Kiwanuka's feast day is celebrated on June 3.

References

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